EDITORIAL POLICING PETS REGGIE THE ALLIGATOR IS ONLY A SMALL PART OF THE PROBLEM.ALTHOUGH authorities are still working on catching Reggie, the alligator alligator, large aquatic reptile of the genus Alligator, in the same order as the crocodile. There are two species—a large type found in the S United States and a small type found in E China. Alligators differ from crocodiles in several ways. that's roaming loose at Machado Lake, they do think they've nabbed his owners, and that's a good thing. But when it comes to dangerous animals in the Southland, Reggie is only a very small part of the problem. An alligator on the loose makes for an amusing human interest story, much like the tiger in Moorpark that captivated cap·ti·vate tr.v. cap·ti·vat·ed, cap·ti·vat·ing, cap·ti·vates 1. To attract and hold by charm, beauty, or excellence. See Synonyms at charm. 2. Archaic To capture. our attention back in February. But it's not exotic animals that are taking lives and maiming innocents in our neighborhoods. It's various breeds of vicious ``domesticated'' dogs. While most Southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, residents - fortunately - still have the good sense not to bring tigers and alligators into their home, too many are downright reckless about pit bulls, Rottweilers and other animals that pose severe dangers of their own. Earlier this month, 16-month-old Cassandra Garcia was killed at her grandparents' Glendale home by a family Rottweiler Rottweiler (rŏt`wīlər), breed of sturdy working dog developed from a Roman cattle dog introduced into S Germany more than 1,900 years ago. It stands from 21 3-4 to 27 in. (55.3–68. . The dog had killed a smaller dog a year earlier. No, not all Rottweilers are bad, and yes, it's the owner who bears responsibility for a pet's behavior. In theory, the law should allow anyone to own any pet, so long as the owner makes sure the pet is well-behaved and properly restrained. But in reality, some animals are so dangerous that their mere possession - especially in densely populated areas - can be a threat to public safety. Like alligators. Or tigers. Or, for that matter, large aggressive dogs. On Monday, the state Assembly approved a bill that would allow California cities to impose some restrictions on dangerous dog breeds, including mandatory spaying spaying: see castration. or neutering neu·ter adj. 1. Grammar a. Neither masculine nor feminine in gender. b. Neither active nor passive; intransitive. Used of verbs. 2. a. and a ban on breeding. The bill, authored by state Sen. Jackie Speier Jackie Speier is a former Democratic member of the California State Senate who represented parts of San Francisco and San Mateo Counties. Early life Speier was born May 14, 1950 in San Francisco, California. She earned a B.A. , D-San Mateo, would give local governments the authority and discretion to do whatever they must to protect their citizens. It's a practical measure that the Senate and governor should quickly approve. Reggie's owners deserve whatever the law has in store for them, but they aren't alone. All those who own dangerous animals - exotic or not - must be put on notice. |
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